National Humanities Medals awarded

White House recognizes Harvard's Daniel Aaron, Bernard Bailyn

The National Humanities Medal honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the humanities, broadened citizens’ engagement with the humanities, or helped preserve and expand Americans’ access to important resources in the humanities. Daniel Aaron (left) was recognized for his contributions to American literature and culture, and Bernard Bailyn was recognized for illuminating the nation’s early history and pioneering the field of Atlantic history.

President Barack Obama announced the 10 winners of the 2010 National Humanities Medal, awarded for outstanding achievements in history, literature, education, and cultural policy, on March 1. Literary scholar Daniel Aaron, the Victor S. Thomas Professor of English and American Literature Emeritus, and Bernard Bailyn, Adams University Professor Emeritus, were among those honored at a White House ceremony on March 2.

The National Humanities Medal honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the humanities, broadened citizens’ engagement with the humanities, or helped preserve and expand Americans’ access to important resources in the humanities.

Aaron was recognized for his contributions to American literature and culture. As the founding president of the Library of America, he helped preserve the nation’s heritage by publishing America’s most significant writing in authoritative editions.

The National Humanities Medal honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation’s understanding of the humanities, broadened citizens’ engagement with the humanities, or helped preserve and expand Americans’ access to important resources in the humanities. Daniel Aaron (left) was recognized for his contributions to American literature and culture, and Bernard Bailyn was recognized for illuminating the nation’s early history and pioneering the field of Atlantic history.

In a new study, Harvard researchers looked at pollen and honey samples collected from the same set of hives across Massachusetts. Findings show they contain at least one pesticide implicated in Colony Collapse Disorder.

A team of researchers from Harvard and Seoul National University has unveiled a novel robotic insect that can jump off the surface of water. In doing so, they have revealed new insights into the natural mechanics that allow water striders to jump from rigid ground or fluid water with the same amount of power and height.

Call it magic, but the rain held off while Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling delivered the keynote address this afternoon (June 5) at Harvard University’s annual meeting of the Harvard Alumni Association.